A quiet revolution is happening in the music industry - and this time, it's songwriters leading the charge. In what’s being described as a world-first agreement, UK songwriters will now receive £75 per diem plus expenses when attending label-organised writing sessions with the UK's major record labels. Even more significantly, these payments will be non-recoupable.
Why This Matters Now
For decades, songwriters have been the unsung heroes of the music business - crafting chart-topping hits while often working without upfront pay, basic subsistence, or guaranteed income. In the streaming era, where song royalties are split disproportionately, their position has become even more precarious.
This new agreement marks a major shift in how the industry recognises creative labour. Spearheaded by The Ivors Academy, the deal signals a growing momentum behind fairness and financial transparency in music creation.
The Pros - Why This Is a Win
Direct support for creative labour: A per diem system, common in film and other production industries, finally acknowledges that creative time has real cost and value.
Non-recoupable status: Unlike advances, these payments won’t be clawed back from future royalties - a crucial win for fair compensation.
Industry precedent: This is reportedly the first such agreement in the world, setting a new benchmark for other markets and genres.
According to Music Business Worldwide, the initiative was secured through sustained campaigning by songwriter members and advocacy by The Ivors Academy, one of the UK’s leading music rights organisations.
The Cons - What’s Still Lacking
Limited scope: At present, the deal only applies to sessions organised by the UK’s three major labels (Universal, Sony, Warner). Independent songwriters or those working outside label frameworks are still without coverage.
No fix for streaming: While the per diem offers short-term relief, it doesn’t address the broader structural inequity in streaming revenues, where songwriters often earn far less than performers or labels.
Opportunities - A Door Opens for Broader Reform
Setting global standards: This model could be replicated in other countries or by independent labels and publishers.
Shifting the power dynamic: By recognising songwriters as workers entitled to fair conditions, the agreement may catalyse wider industry reforms - from session fees to royalty splits.
Brand partnerships with values: For agencies and brands working in music, supporting artists and writers with fair pay has become an increasingly important reputational issue.
Challenges - What's in the Way?
Implementation logistics: Claims will initially be processed via a temporary system through The Ivors Academy, with a new form in development. Ensuring smooth and consistent payment will be key.
Keeping the pressure on: Without continued visibility and union-like organising, such gains can stagnate or be undermined in the long term.
Key Takeouts
UK major labels will now provide £75 per diem plus expenses to songwriters for writing sessions.
This is a non-recoupable payment - a landmark development.
The agreement was secured by The Ivors Academy and its members.
It sets a global precedent, though broader systemic issues in streaming remain unresolved.
Next Steps for Brand Marketers
Watch how value is shifting: Creators are increasingly organising for fairer conditions. Brands working in music should ensure they’re on the right side of that shift.
Consider how you fund creative work: Are freelance writers, composers or designers in your campaigns being treated with the same principles?
Support fair culture: If your brand is using music as a marketing vehicle, showing active support for songwriter rights can demonstrate real cultural fluency.